Origins of Inequality
This lesson explores the social forces behind why women are treated so differently than men in society. The drastic differences between the way men and women are treated is evident worldwide, so it is impossible to cover all of the examples and possible reasons for the disparity. This lesson will explore three social forces in detail:
1. Religion
2. Traditions
3. Economy
Religion
Gender rolessocialized expectations of what is normal, desirable, acceptable, and conforming for males and females have always had very specific meanings for the daily lives and activities of males and females who live under religious cultures. Some of the disparities between the role of a man and a woman in society can be traced back to direct teachings of religious leaders and religious texts. Many ancient writings in religions refer to flaws of females, their reproductive disadvantages, their temperament, and the rules that should govern them in the religious community. For example, the Book of Leviticus in the Judeo-Christian Old Testament has many biological rituals based specifically on women's hygiene.
Throughout history, religions were a dominant social force in many nations and the religious doctrines, like the cultural values, often placed women in a subjugated role to men at a number of different levels. In almost all of the world's major religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and many others) very clear distinctions have been made about gender roles.
